David Chizewer, principal in the firm's Litigation Group, and Emily Gilman, associate in the firm's Litigation Group, have been representing East Chicago homeowners pro-bono in a case against five lead companies associated with severely contaminating soil and homes in the East Chicago USS Lead Superfund Site. U.S. District Chief Judge Philip Simon heard arguments on Tuesday to help him decide whether the homeowners can formally intervene in EPA cleanup decisions. The EPA has been accused of minimizing health concerns and cleaning up a limited number of properties despite knowing for decades about widespread contamination.

Gilman stated that the EPA has made it clear they plan to modify it's cleanup plan for Zone 1, the public housing complex, which would open up the possibility for residents to intervene. "There are years left of work to do," Gilman said. Judge Simon stated that he would make a decision "quickly" but did not provide a timeline.

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